Batting device



Sept. 22, .1925. 1,554,409

. J. A. COFFEE BATTING DEVICE Filed June 25. 192 4 gwbe'nfoc JAME5 A. COFFE Patented Sept. 22, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES A. COFFEE, 0F LAWRENCEVIELE, NEW JERSEY.

BATTING DEVICE.

Application filed June 23, 1924. Serial No. 721,863.

' provide a device for practicing batting.

The invention aims to provide an apparatus of this nature whereby one may be taught to swing a bat in the proper manner which, of course, is one of the first essentials in good batting.

The invention has for another object to provide an apparatus of this nature which is adjustable so that it may be utilized by persons of different heights.

With the above and numerous other objects in view as will appear as the description progresses, the invention resides in certain novel features of construction, and in the combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the apparatus embodying my invention, and

Figure 2 is a detail section through the ball thereof.

Referring to the drawing in detail it will be seen that A designates the frame which consists of the upright 1 and the two horizontal members 2 and 3. The frame is thus substantially U-shaped in formation. Pulleys 4 are mounted at the ends of the members 2 and 3. Springs 5 are fixed adjacent the ends of the upright member 1. A cable or rope 6 is fixed at its ends to the spring 5 and is trained over the pulleys 4. A ball 7 is engaged on the intermediate run of the cable 6. It is preferable to construct this ball of a spherical rubber body 8 having a diametrically extending opening 9 therein for receiving the intermediate run of the cable 6. This rubber body should frictionally engage the run in order that the ball may be held in any desired adjustment thereon so as to be at the proper height. ball in the same manner that the ordinary baseball is covered.

It will thus be seen that the ball has been adjusted to the proper height and may be engaged by a swinging bat so as to move it to the dotted line position shown in Figure 1 and the springs will bring it back to its normal position. With this device it is possible to teach a boy to swing the bat directly and of course may be utilized for coaching for experienced players.

The present embodiment of the invention which I have described in detail refers to the preferred form but, of course, it is evident that changes in the details of construction, materials, and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed, or

sacrificing any of its advantages.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim as new is:

1. A batting practice device comprising a vertical support, horizontal bars attached to the support at its opposite ends, pulleys carried by the horizontal bars at their outer ends, a flexible element trained over the pulleys and extending inwardly towards the vertical support, and, resilient connections between the ends of the flexible element and such vertical support, and a ball slidable on the flexible element whereby. it can be adjusted vertically.

2. A batting practice apparatus of the the manner and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

JAMES A. COFFEE.

It is also preferable to cover the i 

